Clubs and organizations
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Jacksonville Area Landlord Association
Buena Vista Farms owners Nester and Teri Gutierrez hosted the Jacksonville Area Landlord Association’s July meeting.
The meeting was a social with food provided by My Buddy’s BBQ and Catering.
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Tim Sanders drew for door prizes from The Home Depot. While there was no official business or presentation this month, the social event allowed members to enjoy good food, conversation and friendship.
JALA’s next meeting will be Aug. 13 under the grandstand at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. A social time starts at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6 p.m. JALA meets the second Tuesday of each month to discuss topics involved in property rentals, repairs and real estate investing. For more information, visit jville4rent.net.
— Submitted by Richard Vollmer
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Jacksonville Christian Women’s Connection
The next luncheon meeting of Jacksonville Christian Women’s Connection will be from noon to 2 p.m. July 16 at Hamilton’s, 110 N. East St.
The program theme is “America the Beautiful.”
Cost for the lunch is $15. Reservations are required by calling Mary at 217-243-2322.
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The special feature guest will be Robert Sampson, a Jacksonville musician who plays a range of instruments.
The guest speaker will be Patricia Brawner of Jacksonville. Brawner is a retired teaching assistant, mother of three and grandmother of 10.
Her message, touching on alcoholism and becoming a young widow is titled “Searching for True Security.”
CWC is affiliated with Stonecroft and is non-denominational.
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— Submitted by Libby Gaige
Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club
As a beautiful summer day began, 12 Rotarians, two visiting Rotarians/guest speakers and two guests gathered in the back room of Rudi’s Grill.
Everyone gathered around the makeshift meeting table, and greetings and stories ebbed and flowed while some ordered breakfast and a birthday card and membership book (as well as the unbreakable Polio Jar) slowly made their way around the table. Those in attendance were President Mary Hauser, Don Pigg, past president Cindy Boehlke, Ella Scaggs, Sonie Smith, Sarah Robinson, Jane Becker, Linda Meece with husband (and guest) John, Brittany Nickel, Jay Jamison, Pat Pennell and Sarah Edmiston, with visiting Rotarians (and guest speakers) Lori Hartz and Maryjane Bradbury (with husband/guest Keith (a Kiwanian, but we won’t hold that against him). President Mary rang the July 2 meeting to order at 7 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, Don led the reciting of the Four-Way Test and Pat giving the opening (and patriotic) prayer. Rotations were made by Jay, Pat, Sarah Edmiston, Ella, Don, Mary and Sarah Robinson. Jane did an excellent job with Recognitions, making sure every Rotarian (even our visitors) had an opportunity — or several — to donate to the scholarship fund, though a few were a stretch.
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Ann sent a lovely thank-you for her scholarship. It was read aloud. Jane and Brittany, members of the Four-Way Test committee, presented the Four-Way Test Award to Don. After much applause, Jane read Don’s exemplary biography and pictures were taken.
The next Los Rancheros Pack-the-House will be Aug. 14. They are quarterly now. Plans for the Fourth of July parade were discussed. Jane agreed to let everyone congregate at her abode before traveling to the fairgrounds. There was some confusion about what vehicles were available and who would drive. That was hammered out. The meeting time was adjusted. Now it was settled that members (who are in town and cleared by their doctors) will meet at 8:45 a.m. July 4 to ride in Brittany’s Jeep and Don’s truck. Jay will provide the signage. Items to throw to the throngs lining the parade route were reviewed. Hope to see you there!
Don announced that President Farley of Illinois College will speak at next week’s meeting. Mary announced that Rotary International’s big push this year is attracting younger members. Several members were asked to persuade their children to join. Can Rotary accept toddlers as members?
President Mary suggested a new service project, cleaning the banks of the local creek — the name of which can only be pronounced by locals. Beardstown is too far away.
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Lori gave an excellent presentation on the Jacksonville Youth Engagement Program. Maryjane worked the laptop; Keith was in charge of the projection screen. We learned how grants from the Tracey Family Foundation made it possible to get kids involved in youth programs already available in Jacksonville and support those programs through grants from JYEP. Grants make it possible to centralize local youth programs onto one website (jacksonvilleonestop.org). Lori gave an overview of programs available for kids, including youth sports camps, various summer camps, art programs, gardening opportunities and more. Lori suggested ways to help JYEP, including joining the board, donating (there are matching funds available) and inviting JYEP to speak to your organization to spread the word. After answering questions and accepting an appreciative round of applause, pictures were taken. Promotional materials were available.
President Mary closed her first meeting around 7:45 a.m. The next meeting will be at 7 a.m. July 9 in Rudi’s back room. Visiting Rotarians and guests are welcome.
— Submitted by Sarah Edmiston
Jacksonville Lions
As a beautiful summer day drew to a breezy close, 10 Lions and two guests gathered in the back room of Rudi’s Grill.
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Flush from putting up the flags in Community Park in honor of the Independence Day holiday, members were perhaps chattier than usual, perhaps overwhelming fellow dinners as supper was ordered by some. President Sarah rang the July 2 meeting in at 6:30 p.m., followed by saluting the flag and belting out “America.” Jana gave the opening prayer.
In the mailbag, the club is invited to a Chapin Lions club ice cream social from 2 to 4 p.m. July 14. There’s a rumor there will be homemade ice cream. After handing around copies of a stapled treasurer’s report, Tom went over the highlights to his very thorough report.
In new business, the flags at Community Park will come down at 5:30 p.m. July 5.
Next up for discussion, the upcoming school supply drive and how to make it stand out among the many school supply drives in the area. There were a few points brought up by thoughtful members: Lions’ school supply drive, which is held in front of Jacksonville’s Walmart during two weekends at the end of July and into August is one of the oldest such drives. The items and funds collected by Lions go toward the local school district. Lions were able to help fill backpacks with the NAACP.
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Candy Day mints-in-restaurants fundraiser was next. Jim has a list of local eateries that have distinctive containers of the familiar rolls of mints. Tom made the eye-catching posters placed with the stands. Rudi’s has its mint container next to the cash register. In less than a week it needed to be restocked! Consider supporting your local Lions while settling your bill and enjoy a tasty treat.
The upcoming Morgan County Fair was the next hot topic. There will be a vision/hearing mobile screening unit on the fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 10. A sign-up sheet to help process clients was passed around the table. The Lions will cover the gates from 3 to 8:30 p.m. July 12. There is a virtual (i.e. email) sign-up sheet for that service opportunity.
The Lions will take part in the Fourth of July parade that steps off at 10 a.m. July 4 (weather permitting). They will be pulling the familiar trailer with flags flying. There’s a rumor a Lion in a lion suit will join the group. Hope you can join us in celebrating our nation’s birthday and enjoy a sugar-free sucker provided by a cuddly lion.
Aaron let it slip that this was his birthday. Not quite finished assaulting the eardrums of fellow dinners, Lions belted out “Happy Birthday” while Aaron enjoyed a special slice of pie. President Sarah rang the meeting to a close just before 7 p.m. The next meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. July 16 in Rudi’s back room.
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• July 4 — Independence Day Parade
• July 10 — Sight/Sound Mobile Unit, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Morgan County Fair
• July 12 — Lions mind the gates, 3-8:30 p.m. at the Morgan County Fair
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• July 16 — Meeting at Rudi’s Grill.
— Submitted by Sarah Edmiston
Pilot Club of Jacksonville
Pilot Club of Jacksonville’s monthly membership meeting was called to order by President Diane Farmer at 6 p.m. June 24 at Hamilton’s.
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The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Caron Yates and Sue Morrow gave a reading from Ken Bradberry’s “Frieda Mae Crump Chronicles.” Sue Thomas introduced her guest for the evening, Tammy Mellor.
President Farmer introduced Tina Montgomery and Tammy Joseph from the Alzheimer’s Association. They spoke about the Alzheimer’s Walk, which is going to be Sept. 8 at Community Park.
Recording Secretary Carol Wallbaum called roll with 21 members saying present. Approval of the May 2024 membership meeting minutes was given by Dale Osborne with a second from Clair Moos.
Angela Salyer gave the treasurer’s report, which was filed for audit. Corresponding Secretary Sue Morrow read notes from The Salvation Army, Alan Bradish and Jill Tracy.
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President Farmer reminded Cheese Ball, Home Tour, Quarter Auction and Salad Luncheon chairs to get their reports to the treasurer by July 31.
Membership Chair Karla Henderson reported the club has four new members this 2023-24 year.
Projects Chair Martha Hauck reported that younger kids at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired have helmets on when they ride their bikes but older kids do not. At least 20 helmets are needed.
Patty Osborne received a 20-year membership certificate.
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Shelle Allen reported there have been two minor changes to our standing rules. Dale Osborne made a motion to accept these changes with a second from Billie Summers. These are effective as of July 1.
Vickie Austin invited everyone to come to Concerts in the Park at 6 p.m. Sunday in Community Park to listen to some amazing groups then go to Leo’s afterwards for pizza.
President Farmer announced we are going to inventory and organize the storage shed in September or October, when it gets a little cooler.
Shelle Allen passed out 2024-25 Plans of Works sheets for the Membership, Projects and Fundraising divisions, listing items she plans to implement this coming year during her presidency.
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Linda Meece installed officers for the 2024-25 Pilot Club year. Directors: Angela Salyer, Diane Farmer, Carol Wallbaum, Patty Osborne and Joyce Surbeck. Treasurer Karla Stice and Assistant Treasurer Sue Thomas. Corresponding Secretary Karla Henderson, Recording Secretary Beth Eilers. President Interim and President-elect Sue Tapscott and President Consultant Shelle Allen. Director Joyce Surbeck and Treasurer Karla Stice will be installed at a later time.
Chaplain Clair Moos sent cards to Sherry Bath; Shelle Allen’s grandmother, Sue Grant; Nancy Rednick; Jim Stice and Lisa Pierce.
President Farmer presented each member of her 2023-24 board with a gift.
The 50-50 was won by Alice Thomas.
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The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
— Submitted by Carol Wallbaum
Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club
As the remnants of Hurricane Beryl began to soak the area, nine Rotarians and two guests gathered in the back room of Rudi’s Grill. While some ordered breakfast, the Polio Plus Jar made its way around the temporary meeting table. Those who braved the raindrops were President Mary Hauser, Sonie Smith, Don Pigg, Jane Zachery, Sarah Robinson, Jay Jamison, Jane Becker, Linda Meece with husband and guest John, Brittany Nickel and Sarah Edmiston, with guest speaker and Illinois College President Barbara Farley.
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Chatter subsided when President Mary rang the July 9 meeting open at 6:58 a.m., followed by Brittany leading the Pledge of Allegiance, Sarah Edmiston leading the reciting of the Four-Way Test and Jane Becker giving the opening prayer.
President Mary started off the meeting with leg stretches to limber us up (and later can be used to work out leg cramps). Now, more awake, Rotations were made by Jay, Jane Zachery, Don, Mary, Sarah Edmiston and Sarah Robinson. Jane did an excellent job with Recognitions (though some were a stretch), coaxing donations to the scholarship fund from everyone, even our guest speaker.
President Farley sat at the far end of the table for her excellent program on the new nursing program at Illinois College and how it all began, along with improvements around campus that made this possible. We learned where departments have been moved and changes to buildings. A number of grants provided by Passavant Area Hospital and then Jacksonville Memorial Hospital helped the nursing program grow. We learned about the success of the nursing students, with 100% passing the licensing exam, and growth in other programs. After answering questions, President Farley received an appreciative round of applause.
In new business, a couple of possible donations were suggested and tabled until the business meeting. Sarah Robinson announced that lasagnas are needed for the Lasagna Love project. Don will look into using the kitchen at Prairie Land Heritage Museum. President Mary bought up the idea of selling bottled water at the Prairieland Chautauqua, with some interest. Brittany announced that the Business After Hours is Sept. 26; the location is being finalized. More details to follow.
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President Mary rang the meeting to a close at 7:45 a.m. The next meeting is at 7 a.m. July 16 in Rudi’s back room. It will be a business meeting.
There is coffee available for purchase. All guests and visiting Rotarians are welcome.
— Submitted by Sarah Edmiston
